Weather Alert: Possible Snowy Conditions Ahead in Columbia, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Weather Alert: Possible Snowy Conditions Ahead

As winter rolls in with its unpredictable flair, residents in COLUMBIA, S.C. are gearing up for what could be a chilly Tuesday night. Recent weather models are still hinting at the possibility of snow, although the likelihood of significant accumulation seems to be waning. So, what should folks expect? Well, it looks like the forecasts are varying quite a bit, with everything from a light dusting to a bit more on the horizon!

Bundle Up!

No matter what, it’s definitely time to bundle up! We’re looking at daytime highs that hover between the upper 30s and the low 40s, and don’t forget about those nighttime lows dipping into the teens or low 20s. That means if you’re heading out, make sure to wear those layers to keep the cold at bay!

For everyone’s safety, local schools are taking precautions in light of the weather forecast. Several districts have announced early dismissals for Tuesday and adjusted schedules for Wednesday, prioritizing the well-being of students and staff alike. Let’s break it down, district by district.

School District Updates

Calhoun County Public Schools will be sending students home early on Tuesday, January 21, to beat the weather. Meanwhile, in Clarendon County, they have implemented early dismissals on Tuesday paired with a switch to e-Learning for students on Wednesday. Families can find all the necessary assignments posted on Google Classroom and are reminded to check for updates via the district’s usual communication channels.

Kershaw County School District (KCSD) is also jumping on the early dismissal bandwagon for Tuesday, January 21. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, but all after-school activities and child care programs have been put on hold due to the conditions expected later in the day. On Wednesday, schools will operate with a two-hour delay to assess the situation further, with more information released early that morning.

Lexington One, Lexington Two, and Lexington Three schools are doing their part as well. These districts will all be on a half-day schedule Tuesday, with early dismissals planned for elementary, middle, and high schools. And don’t worry—students will still get breakfast and lunch before heading home!

As for Wednesday, decisions will be made based on the latest weather information, potentially leading to further e-Learning days or schedule adjustments. All after-school programs and events are canceled on Tuesday for these districts, keeping safety front and center.

Richland County schools are also feeling the impact. Richland One will dismiss early on Tuesday with a similar plan in place, providing meals beforehand while canceling after-school activities. Meanwhile, Richland Two will follow suit with early releases as well, ensuring that students can get home safely before any winter weather sets in.

At the end of the day, all these early dismissals and schedule changes are in place to protect our little ones and make sure they can navigate what might be tricky travel conditions. With safety always being a priority, it’s essential for parents to stay updated and keep the lines of communication open with their schools and districts.

What’s Next?

It might be a good idea to stay tuned in as the weather evolves. Things can change quickly in winter, and school districts are gearing up to respond accordingly based on the latest forecasts. Many schools have made it easy for families to receive instant updates via automated calls, texts, and social media, so you won’t miss any important announcements.

For those sticking around Columbia, don’t forget to check local weather forecasts! It’s best to stay informed whether you’re heading out for errands or just hunkering down at home. There’s something about a cozy night with soup, a warm blanket, and perhaps some light snow outside that makes winter feel particularly inviting.

So, get ready Columbia! It’s going to be a chilly week, but with a little preparation, we can navigate these wintery possibilities together.